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Monitoring OS X Update Downloads

M

mastaj

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Apr 7, 2008
21
0
Recently I've been frustrated by having Mac OS X automatically downloading all software updates without asking. Sometimes I am on an internet connection where my downloading is limited and I don't want to be wasting the bandwidth on multiple updates that I don't need that urgently. I feel like earlier versions of OS X never started downloading the update without your permission to start the updating process. Is there anyway to ensure that the OS doesn't perform such tasks without having to resort turning off my wireless?

I'm running 10.5.6 on a MacBook.

Thanks in advance!
 
Don't run everyday in an Admin account. Then whenever there's an OS X d/l you will have to enter the username and password. This is the only way I am aware of, although these may be others.
Morod
 
Thanks for the quick reply!

Do you mean that I should make a second account on the machine? Will that have any implications for the tasks I can perform in a non-admin account? Like, will I be restricted from moving/opening any files/programs on the computer in a non-admin account? I've always used a private computer, and I don't want to lose any of the operational capacity that I'm used to right now on my machine...

Also, are you sure that the password is to start the download, not to start the installation of an already downloaded package?
 
In the system preferences under "software update" it has a box for "download important updates automatically". Just uncheck that and you should be fine, I would think.
 
Are important downloads only the ones related to the OS (e.g. security updates, firmware, etc...)?
Thanks
 
The important downloads I believe are classified as such depending on whether the system needs to be restarted for the update to apply/install.
 
But what about the iLife updates that add up when downloaded at the same time. How do I stop those, since they wouldn't be classified as updates that require restart...?
 
Disable the option for Software Update to check automatically either daily, weekly, or monthly. When you don't need the bandwidth, you'll have to manually run it from the Apple menu.
 
comictimes said:
In the system preferences under "software update" it has a box for "download important updates automatically". Just uncheck that and you should be fine, I would think.
Click to expand...

Correct, that's how I have mine setup. I think it's a little misleading as to what important downloads are.....I don't think there is a difference.

My experience, uncheck that box and it will NEVER automatically download an update again. I always get notified of updates, but I have to initiate the download. This goes for any update that come through Software Update (whether it requires a restart or not).

I'd still have it check daily/weekly/whatever you want. It will now just notify you that updates are available to be downloaded and installed.

-Kevin
 
Thank You

Thanks for all the help. No more crazy downloading without my permission!
 
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